Dr. Todd Prince Tumblr Blog

Illinois Veterinarian Dr. Todd Prince Board certified in small-animal practice, Dr. Todd Prince operates several veterinary centers throughout Illinois. The recipient of an undergraduate degree in animal sciences from Iowa State University and of a doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois, he is one of only 15 veterinarians in Illinois to be named a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Moreover, Dr. Todd Prince takes over 100 hours of continuing medical education courses annually. Presently, Dr. Prince treats patients at offices in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst, and Springbrook. These facilities allow him to provide companion animals with the best care at the convenience of their owners. Using state-of-the-art equipment such as carbon dioxide lasers, he can perform surgeries with less bleeding, pain, and risk of infection. The locations offer vaccinations for dogs and cats, ranging from rabies and Bordetella to feline distemper and influenza. Trained in pet dental care as well, Dr. Todd Prince teaches clients how to maintain their animals' oral hygiene through brushing and diet. Additionally, pets can receive grooming, boarding, and overnight observation from professionals in a safe and secure environment.

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Naperville Area Humane Society Offers Pet Behavior Helpline

Holding a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) and possessing more than three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Todd L. Prince provides small animal care at several animal hospitals and clinics in the greater Chicago area. Also engaged in animal welfare outside of his professional life, Todd L. Prince, DVM, is a longtime supporter of the Naperville Area Humane Society (NAHS). Difficult pet behaviors can be hard to change. Both young and older pets can exhibit problematic behavior patterns such as jumping on guests, destroying furniture, and getting in the trash. Fortunately, the Naperville Area Humane Society has set up a special helpline to provide advice about how to address troublesome pet behaviors. The helpline can be reached at [phone] x115, where callers are invited to leave a message detailing the problem and provide return contact information. A specialist will reply within 48 hours with helpful tips on how to deal with the behavior, or will connect the caller to resources they can utilize if the problem is beyond the ability of the helpline to address. To learn more about the Naperville Area Humane Society and its various programs, visit naperhumane.org.

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Dealing with Hyperthermia in Dogs

A veterinarian with 35 years of experience, Dr. Todd Prince DVM is especially interested in preventive care for companion animals, as well as pet oncology, orthopedic and soft-tissue surgeries, and neurologic disorders. For 25 years, he’s been a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, with certification in small animal practice. Dr. Todd L. Prince practices in suburbs west of Chicago, with facilities in Naperville, Elmhurst, and Glen Ellyn. One of the most common mistakes dog owners make with the onset of warm weather is to exercise dogs too strenuously without first acclimating them to the warmer weather, which can lead to hyperthermia. If a dog’s body temperature rises faster than its ability to dissipate heat through panting, it may experience heat exhaustion as its body temperature rises above normal. This temperature varies by breed, but is around 103 degrees F. Heat stroke begins when body temperature rises above 106 degrees. At this point, serious systemic failure begins, and immediate steps must be taken to prevent serious damage. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive panting and sluggishness. If heat stroke sets in, more serious symptoms, such as excessive drooling, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool, muscle tremors, and convulsions, may occur. One way to avoid hyperthermia in dogs is to gradually exercise them outdoors as the weather warms, rather than starting with strenuous workouts. In addition, avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather. Dogs should always have access to fresh, clean drinking water. An overheated dog can be quickly cooled down by soaking it with a hose. Pet owners who suspect their dogs have experienced heat stroke should call their veterinarian immediately.

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Development and Symptoms of Canine Mammary Gland Tumors

A board-certified small animal veterinarian, Dr. Todd Prince draws on more than 30 years of experience in practice. Todd L. Prince, DVM, focuses on the treatment of feline and canine cancers, including mammary gland tumors. Mammary gland tumors are the most common type of cancer among female dogs who have not been spayed or were spayed after age 2. More than 25 percent of all unspayed female dogs develop a mammary tumor during their lifetimes, and approximately 50 percent of these are benign. Even among the remaining percentage of malignant cancers, however, few will prove fatal. Tumors of the mammary gland typically manifest as slow-growing masses that are palpable under the abdominal skin. In approximately half of the cases, the dog will develop more than one such mass. There is often some ulceration of the skin above the mass, where tissue may become swollen and painful. Dogs with mammary gland tumors may become lethargic and weak. They may show reluctance to eat and lose weight. Dogs with these symptoms should undergo evaluation by a veterinarian, who will use a variety of laboratory tests and imaging to evaluate any presenting growths. If the dog does have a mammary gland tumor, the veterinarian will work with the owner to develop a care plan.

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Choosing the Best Diet for a Senior Dog

A veterinarian with over 30 years of experience, Illinois-based Dr. Todd L. Prince practices at facilities in Wheaton, Springbrook, Naperville, and Elmhurst. Todd Prince, DVM, specializes in the care of small animals and enjoys helping owners develop a preventative care plan for their pets. As dogs age, Dr. Todd Prince recommends twice yearly wellness exams. The exams often include nutritional counseling so that owners are equipped to provide the best possible diet for their pets’ specific stage of life. Most dogs, depending on size and breed, are considered to be seniors by the age of seven. As dogs age, they are more likely to develop serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes. Therefore, owners should discuss their pets’ specific nutritional needs with a medical professional in order to help them live longer and healthier lives. Obesity is a common problem among geriatric dogs. As their metabolic rates slow and energy levels decrease, dogs can easily pack on extra pounds if they continue to eat higher calorie food that is intended for younger dogs. Senior dog food formulations are often lower in calories, have higher fiber content, and are lower in fat. Many senior formulations also include supplements that address specific issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. Diabetes formulas, for example, are designed for slower absorption to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Arthritis formulas might include glucosamine or chondroitin sulphate, supplements designed to help with joint pain. Omega-3 fatty acids are also commonly added to foods designed for senior dogs to help normalize insulin responsiveness and to reduce inflammation. No matter a dog’s age or health, it is always helpful to discuss dietary concerns with an experienced veterinarian in order to ensure that a pet is receiving adequate and appropriate nutrition.

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White Dog Shaker Syndrome

A board-certified small animal veterinarian, Todd L. Prince, DVM, has practiced in Illinois for more than 30 years. Dr. Todd Prince focuses much of his practice on neurological disorders such as white dog shaker syndrome. Although it does not exclusively affect dogs with white coats, white dog shaker syndrome has its name because it disproportionally affects animals in this category. It is also known as steroid responsive tremor syndrome or idiopathic cerebellitis, the latter of which translates to inflammation of unknown origin in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for regulation of voluntary muscle function, and swelling in this area causes the shaking and trembling throughout the dog's body. White dog shaker syndrome usually makes itself known when a dog is between 1 and 6 years old. Both male and female dogs may be affected. In addition to tremors, a dog with the condition may have trouble with walking or coordination and experience involuntary eye movements. A veterinarian will diagnose the condition first by ruling out other disorders or toxin poisoning. If the vet can positively diagnose white dog shaker syndrome, he or she is likely to prescribe corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the cerebellum. Over the course of about a week, the tremors start to abate, at which time the vet will begin to gradually reduce the dose. Treatment typically finishes a few months after it begins, but some dogs will need to re-start or continue treatment if symptoms persist or recur. While a dog is recovering, the owner can improve his or her comfort level by making food and water easier to reach, minimizing stair use, and avoiding intense stress or excitement.

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Meningitis and Encephalitis in Cats

Dr. Todd L. Prince has practiced veterinary medicine since 1984. Board certified in the care of dogs and cats, Dr. Todd Prince maintains a special interest in the treatment of neurological disorders such as meningitis, encephalitis, and meningioencephalitis in cats. Meningitis and encephalitis are inflammatory disorders that may develop separately or simultaneously in feline patients. The former arises when an infection or immune system dysfunction causes swelling of the meninges, a membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation of these tissues most often causes fever, neck pain and stiffness, and muscle spasms. Encephalitis, another infectious disorder, leads to inflammation of the brain tissue itself. Its symptoms include fever, coordination problems, diminished consciousness, head tilt, and seizures. In cats with meningioencephalitis, a combination of meningitis and encephalitis, symptoms of either or both disorders may be present, depending on the location of the inflammation. If a cat's meningitis and/or encephalitis arises from a disorder of the immune system, corticosteroids or other immune-altering drugs are likely to be part of the treatment plan. Antifungals or antibiotics may be prescribed for cats with fungal or bacterial infection, respectively. Symptom-targeted therapies, such as anticonvulsant medications, nutritional supplements, and physical therapy, can be used regardless of a condition's cause. The prognosis of these conditions depends on the cause and seriousness of the infection. If irreversible damage to the nerve tissue is present, the outlook tends to be less promising.

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Talk to Me - What Your Cats Are Telling You

In practice for some 30 years, Dr. Todd L. Prince treats cats and dogs at Wheaton Animal Hospital in Illinois. A graduate of the University of Illinois doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) program, Dr. Todd Prince’s understanding of cats enables him to discern a cat's mood by its voice. In addition to their body language, cats have several ways to communicate with humans as well as other animals: -Meowing is their most common utterance. It can mean many things, ranging from greetings and commands to statements such as “stay away” and “look at the mouse I brought you.” Some cats wander around meowing to themselves. -Purring usually indicates happiness, such as when a cat is eating. However, feline purring also serves the purpose of relaxing cats when they are in pain or anxious. -Spitting, howling, and growling also show emotions, such as fear or aggression. It’s best to leave these cats to themselves. -Chirping and trilling are ways mother cats tell their kittens to stay close or to attract you to their food bowl. They also make these sounds to communicate with each other. -Yowls are produced by cats when they are in distress - being stuck, in pain, or looking for your help. However, cats who still have their reproductive organs yowl when they are in heat. Yowling by an older cat could indicate cognitive problems. Finally, chittering or twittering occurs when a cat spots squirrels or birds through the window. This may be an amplified version of the killing bite, by which cats dispatch their prey.

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The Benefits of Neutering a Male Dog

Dr. Todd L. Prince studied veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois. As a board-certified small animal veterinarian, Dr. Todd Prince has provided a variety of services to companion animals, including dogs and cats, for more than 25 years.

From the first day a puppy is brought into a home, dog owners take on the responsibility of caring for an animal life. While some owners may be hesitant about submitting their canine companions for an elective surgery, there are a number of important health benefits when it comes to neutering your male dog.

Testicular cancer and prostate disorders are two of the most serious health issues that can be addressed through neutering. While only about 7 percent of unneutered males develop testicular cancer, the rate falls to zero following a neutering procedure. Enlarged prostates, meanwhile, and associated complications can effect up to 80 percent of male dogs that have not been neutered. Not only does neutering prevent enlarged prostates, it can also be used as a cure for dogs that have already developed the condition.

The benefits of neutering go beyond improving a dog’s physical state. Neutered males are less likely to attract attention from aggressive dogs, both male and female. Neutered dogs are also less likely to demonstrate dominant and aggressive behaviors. Neutering can even lead to economic benefits, as license fees are generally higher for unneutered animals.

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Types of Seizures in Dogs

Practicing in and around Elmhurst, Illinois, Dr. Todd Prince provides experienced veterinary care to dogs and cats. Todd L. Prince, DVM, draws on in-depth experience in a number of practice areas, including the diagnosis and treatment of seizures. Seizures in dogs may take one of three basic forms, the most prevalent of which is the grand mal, or generalized seizure. Caused by a malfunction in electrical activity throughout the brain, it often presents with convulsions and a loss of consciousness, and may involve involuntary urination, defecation, or vocalization. The seizure itself may last several seconds to minutes, though the dog may appear disoriented or agitated for several days afterward. Focal seizures, by contrast, stem from abnormal electrical activity in one part of the brain, and thus cause unusual movements in a single limb or one side of the body. The dog typically remains conscious throughout the event, which may be only a few seconds in duration. Dogs may also experience psychomotor seizures, also known as complex partial seizures, which feature unusual behavior patterns. A psychomotor seizure may at first seem like a benign uncommon action, although it becomes more distinguishable when one notices that the same behavior repeats itself with each incidence.

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A Brief Introduction to Spaying Your Cat

Todd L. Prince, DVM, is a board-certified small animal veterinarian with the Elmhurst Animal Care Center in Elmhurst, Illinois. In this position Todd Prince, DVM, treats a variety of animals, including cats and dogs.

Overpopulation is arguably the greatest threat facing cats and other domestic animals in the United States. The single most effective measure pet owners can take against overpopulation is neutering male cats and spaying females. The ovariohysterectomy surgery, more commonly known as a spaying, is a common procedure that provides cats with several health benefits in addition to population control.

Behavioral and hygienic benefits are abundant when it comes to spaying a female cat. A cat that has not been spayed can enter into heat every two to three weeks until mating occurs. For a house cat, the inability to mate over the course of repeated heat cycles can create high levels of anxiety, violent behaviors, frequent attempts to runaway, and other behavioral issues that pose a threat to owners and animals alike.

The likelihood of a cat developing mammary cancer, tumors, or infections of the reproductive tract can be minimized through spaying. The odds of mammary cancer, the third most prevalent form of cancer in domestic cats, are 40 to 60 percent lower in animals that have been spayed. Pet owners should discuss the neutering procedure with a trusted small animal veterinarian.

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Tips for Taking Your Cat to the Vet

As a board-certified small animal veterinarian, Dr. Todd L. Prince cares for animals through several veterinary practices in and around Naperville, Illinois. Todd Prince, DVM, works to keep his practice cat-friendly. If your cat finds going to the vet to be a stressful experience, you may need to first acclimate him or her to the transport process. The first step is to make the carrier comfortable. If you are able to get the cat to enter into it willingly, you will be less likely to have to put the cat through the stress of being forced into it. The first step is to line the carrier with something soft, preferably one that smells like you or that you have sprayed with calming feline pheromones. This will help the cat to establish the carrier as a safe place. If he or she needs some help wanting to go in, you can leave a few toys or treats inside. Cats respond to positive reinforcement, so you can praise him or her for entering the carrier by giving food or catnip. Once the cat is getting into the carrier willingly, you can start to bring him or her into the car for short trips. You can follow those trips with more treats so that the cat associates car travel with positive experiences and can arrive at the vet happier and more relaxed.

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Common Veterinary Lab Tests: Urinalysis

Dr. Todd L. Prince is a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) at multiple locations in Illinois, including Naperville Animal Hospital and Springbrook Animal Care Center. In his practice, Dr. Todd L. Prince regularly uses lab tests such as urinalysis to care for his patients. At the most basic level, urinalysis involves taking urine samples and testing them in the laboratory for the levels of various components, such as red and white blood cells. In veterinary medicine, the veterinarian also fixes urine samples on slide smears and analyzes them for the presence of crystals, bacteria, and other predictors of disease. If urinalysis reveals a high white blood cell count, the animal may have an infection. If the white blood cells are visible in the urine, it often indicates a potentially serious infection of the kidneys or bladder. Although beneficial bacteria do live in the urinary system of animals, excess bacteria in the urine may indicate an infection. If crystal formations show up in the urine, the animal may suffer from stones in the bladder or kidneys, which can cause considerable pain.

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First-Aid Care for Feline Seizures

A board-certified small animal veterinarian, Todd L. Prince, DVM, has treated dogs and cats for more than 25 years. Dr. Todd Prince maintains a particular interest in seizure disorders. When a cat has a seizure, the owner's response can be crucial to the cat’s safety. Owners can most easily recognize a generalized seizure, which features shaking of the limbs and abnormal muscle movements in the face. However, cats are also prone to partial seizures, which do not look like the traditional grand mal seizure but instead involve abnormal motor activity, facial twitching, and abnormally high levels of vocal activity. Although either type of seizure can be upsetting, the owner must stay calm and focus on the cat's safety. He or she should move the cat to a place where he or she will not fall or accidentally bump into furniture. An owner is also well-advised to keep the cat away from other pets, who may become frightened and attack the ill animal in self-defense. The owner also needs to be aware that disorientation is a common post-seizure symptom. The recovering cat may be frightened and fail to recognize the owner, a combination that may lead to attack or flight. The owner should be aware and self-protective, but also watchful for any signs of continuing seizures as this requires immediate veterinary care. A veterinarian may also be able to perform testing to determine the cause of the seizure. Epileptic seizures generally receive treatment only if they are long-lasting, recurrent, or presenting in clusters. In these cases, medication may provide some relief.

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American Association of Feline Practitioners Hosts Annual Conference

With more than 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Todd L. Prince, DVM, maintains board certification in small animal practice. Dr. Todd L. Prince offers his services at Chicago-area animal hospitals such as Elmhurst Animal Care Center. A full-service veterinary hospital, Elmhurst Animal Care Center offers care for a variety of animals including birds, felines, dogs, reptiles, and other small pets. One area the center prides itself on is being a cat-friendly practice, which means the staff receives special training to understand the needs and care of felines. Its feline-friendly exam rooms have reduced noise and limited interaction with other pets. As a result, the center is certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). AAFP hosts an annual conference for its members, and the 2016 event was held in Washington, DC, in early November. Covering topics such as feline behavior and respiratory disease, the conference offered tracks for veterinary professionals to increase their feline knowledge. Attendees also had an opportunity to garner up to 55 continuing education credits. The 2017 conference is scheduled for October 19-22 in Denver, Colorado.

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Feline Lymphoma - Symptoms and Treatments

Todd L. Prince, DVM, has practiced small-animal veterinary medicine for more than 25 years. Dr. Todd Prince pursues a particular interest in the treatment of animal cancers, including feline lymphoma. The most common form of cancer in cats, feline lymphoma originates in specialized white blood cells known as lymphocytes. The condition is 60 times more likely to occur in cats with a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) diagnosis, though feline immunodeficiency virus may also increase a cat's risk of developing the condition. Because lymphocytes are present throughout the body, lymphoma can likewise affect a number of organ systems. Mediastinal lymphoma appears in the gaps between the pleural sacs of the lungs and typically manifests in breathing difficulties. This form is particularly common in younger cats, while those slightly older are more likely to experience the spinal form that can cause paralysis or weakness of the rear limbs. Lymphoma in middle-aged cats often grows in the kidneys, where it results in increased urination as well as reduced appetite. The condition's alimentary form, more common in cats in the older phase of middle age, occurs in the digestive tract and leads to such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool. Cats of this age may also develop nasal lymphoma or multicentric lymphoma, the latter of which can affect a number of organs throughout the body. Cats with lymphoma typically undergo treatment via chemotherapy, which the average cat tolerates well. Some cats, such as those with nasal lymphoma, may also receive radiation therapy. Complete remission for up to 30 months is possible in as many as 70 percent of patients, though survival rates are better for cats without preexisting feline leukemia.

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Hemangiosarcomas in Dogs

For more than 25 years, Dr. Todd L. Prince has cared for pets in and around Naperville, Illinois. Todd Prince, DVM, focuses a large portion of his practice on hemangiosarcomas and other veterinary cancers. Hemangiosarcoma stands out as one of the most common tumors identified in dogs. Most frequently diagnosed in older animals, it grows from the endothelial cells that line a dog's blood vessels. The majority of hemangiosarcomas occur in or just below the skin, in the spleen, or within the cardiac tissue, though the liver is also a common site of growth. When it occurs on the skin, a hemangiosarcoma usually appears as a black or red growth. When a tumor grows under the skin, however, the skin color is normal but a lump is visible beneath. Tumors in the abdominal organs or heart are palpable but not visible, though they do make themselves known through  lethargy, weakness, bloating, or other symptoms related to the affected organ. Surgery stands out as a common line of treatment for most hemangiosarcomas. Surgical intervention is typically extensive, as all affected tissue requires removal. Most patients receive chemotherapy as well, as these tumors have a tendency to metastasize. Prognosis is generally best for dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the skin. Internal hemangiosarcomas, being more difficult to identify and prone to metastasis, may lead to a life expectancy of six months or fewer, though treatment can improve quality of life significantly.                            

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